for the Bolivia's Plurinational Legislative Assembly (National Congress). She ran in the lists of the MAS party, but as an independent candidate, and was elected by a wide margin. While Romero went to the election as an independent candidate – as she was not registered in any political party - her determination generated much controversy and divided opinion in the country, provoking reactions of both support and disapproval. This situation motivated her to publicly explain her reasons through an open letter, in which she stated the following: “(…) My entry into politics has generated and will continue to generate all kinds of reactions. I receive them as part of the cost of entering the public arena and as a sign of the polarization in which we live today. We complain much about what is happening in the country; we spend our lives saying what should or should not be done, throwing pebbles at the windows of power but are never willing to change things from within. And I say we because I was also part of this Greek tragedy chorus until last week. But the horror that we may end up dividing our country and the concern that the process which could enable us to build an equitable and just country might become frustrated, have sunk-in in me during this time of my retirement and I have decided to take the step forward. I am acting under the conviction that I cannot deny offering my efforts to build bridges and to seek agreements –which is what President Morales has asked me to help with. This, however, will not prevent me from looking critically at the process [of change], as I consider that its shortcomings or excesses will not be corrected with hatred and animosities but by properly understanding the exceptional moment in which live. We all have our share of responsibility in helping to bring about the success of those who are proposing to leave behind a long night of injustice and oppression. As is the case with the indigenous people, women are conquering a space of equality in the political world where we would like to make a difference. I love Bolivia, I love my people, I feel a deep commitment to their future and, in particular, with the humble and their destiny. I believe it takes people from within the Plurinational Legislative Assembly to help articulate the agreements